Manitoba Hansard — 20 March 2024 (Sitting 33, 43rd Legislature, 1st Session)

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Manitoba — Debates (Hansard)

First Session – Forty-Third Legislature of the Legislative Assembly of Manitoba DEBATES and PROCEEDINGS Official Report (Hansard) Published under the authority of The Honourable Tom Lindsey Speaker Vol. LXXVIII No. 33 - 1:30 p.m., Wednesday, March 20, 2024 ISSN 0542-5492

MANITOBA LEGISLATIVE ASSEMBLY Forty-Third Legislature Member Constituency Political Affiliation ALTOMARE, Nello, Hon. Transcona NDP ASAGWARA, Uzoma, Hon. Union Station NDP BALCAEN, Wayne Brandon West PC BEREZA, Jeff Portage la Prairie PC BLASHKO, Tyler Lagimodière NDP BRAR, Diljeet Burrows NDP BUSHIE, Ian, Hon. Keewatinook NDP BYRAM, Jodie Agassiz PC CABLE, Renée, Hon. Southdale NDP CHEN, Jennifer Fort Richmond NDP COOK, Kathleen Roblin PC CROSS, Billie Seine River NDP DELA CRUZ, Jelynn Radisson NDP DEVGAN, JD McPhillips NDP EWASKO, Wayne Lac du Bonnet PC FONTAINE, Nahanni, Hon. St.

Johns NDP GOERTZEN, Kelvin Steinbach PC GUENTER, Josh Borderland PC HIEBERT, Carrie Morden-Winkler PC JACKSON, Grant Spruce Woods PC JOHNSON, Derek Interlake-Gimli PC KENNEDY, Nellie Assiniboia NDP KHAN, Obby Fort Whyte PC KINEW, Wab, Hon. Fort Rouge NDP KING, Trevor Lakeside PC KOSTYSHYN, Ron, Hon. Dauphin NDP LAGASSÉ, Bob Dawson Trail PC LAMOUREUX, Cindy Tyndall Park Lib. LATHLIN, Amanda The Pas-Kameesak NDP LINDSEY, Tom, Hon. Flin Flon NDP LOISELLE, Robert St. Boniface NDP MALOWAY, Jim Elmwood NDP MARCELINO, Malaya, Hon. Notre Dame NDP MOROZ, Mike River Heights NDP MOSES, Jamie, Hon. St.

Vital NDP MOYES, Mike Riel NDP NARTH, Konrad La Vérendrye PC NAYLOR, Lisa, Hon. Wolseley NDP NESBITT, Greg Riding Mountain PC OXENHAM, Logan Kirkfield Park NDP PANKRATZ, David Waverley NDP PERCHOTTE, Richard Selkirk PC PIWNIUK, Doyle Turtle Mountain PC REDHEAD, Eric Thompson NDP SALA, Adrien, Hon. St. James NDP SANDHU, Mintu The Maples NDP SCHMIDT, Tracy, Hon. Rossmere NDP SCHOTT, Rachelle Kildonan-River East NDP SCHULER, Ron Springfield-Ritchot PC SIMARD, Glen, Hon. Brandon East NDP SMITH, Bernadette, Hon.

Point Douglas NDP STEFANSON, Heather Tuxedo PC STONE, Lauren Midland PC WASYLIW, Mark Fort Garry NDP WHARTON, Jeff Red River North PC WIEBE, Matt, Hon. Concordia NDP WOWCHUK, Rick Swan River PC

851 LEGISLATIVE ASSEMBLY OF MANITOBA Wednesday, March 20, 2024 The House met at 1:30 p.m. The Speaker: O Eternal and Almighty God, from Whom all power and wisdom come, we are assembled here before Thee to frame such laws as may tend to the welfare and prosper ity of our province. Grant, O merciful God, we pray Thee, that we may desire only that which is in accordance with Thy will, that we may seek it with wisdom and know it with certainty and accomplish it perfectly for the glory and honour of Thy name and the welfare of all our people. Amen.

We acknowledge we are gathered on Treaty 1 territory and that Manitoba is located on the treaty territories and ancestral lands of the Anishinaabeg, Anishininewuk, Dakota Oyate, Denesuline, Nehethowuk nations. We acknowledge Manitoba is located on the Homeland of the Red River Métis. We acknowledge northern Manitoba includes lands that were and are the ancestral lands of the Inuit. We respect the spirit and intent of treaties and treaty making and remain committed to worki ng in partnership with First Nations, Inuit and Métis people in the spirit of truth, reconciliation and collaboration. Please be seated.

MATTER OF PRIVILEGE (Continued) The Speaker: Before we begin routine proceedings, when the House rose yesterday, the honour able member for La Vérendrye was speaking on a matter of privilege. I will now recognize that member to continue with their remarks. Mr. Konrad Narth (La Vérendrye): Thank you for the oppor tunity to continue on this very im portant matter of privilege. I'll try to be concise and wrap up the concerns that I've brought forward yesterday and continue on.

When I had left off, I had expressed my concern about the Minister responsi ble for Manitoba Public Insurance giving not only myself, but my constituents misleading information, which restricts my ability to serve my constituents as the Member of the Legislative Assembly for La Vérendrye, and it also restricts all of our abilities to give information back to the members of our constituencies. So this minister won't answer our questions in the House, tries to limit my ability to discuss these matters in the House and contradicts his own officials. How can MLAs rely on the information coming out of this government?

The NDP want to d odge our questions in the House and want to mislead Manitobans about their in tentions with some thing as im portant as our public auto insurer. I want to go back to my constituents who raised this issue with me and see if they were set. I wanted to go back to my constituents to see if they were satisfied with the minister's response. And asking them and talking to the ones that had the concerns, they were just downright confused. Many went back to their local brokers, brokers across this entire province, and called Manitoba Public Insurance directly.

The response they received oft – from the letter was not the same as that that they received from their broker. The NDP need to start acting like a gov ernment and stop trying to limit the flow of information in this House. I refer to House of Commons Procedure and Practice, second edition, commonly known as O'Brien and Bosc, for guidance on this difficult question. On page 111, O'Brien and Bosc wrote: A member may also be obstructed or interfered wit hin the per - formance of his or her parlia mentary functions by non-physical means.

In ruling on such matters, the Speaker examines the effect of the incident or event had on the member's ability to fulfill his or her parlia- mentary responsibilities. If the Speaker's view–the–if the Speaker views that the member was not obstructed in the performance of his or her parlia mentary duties and function, then a prima facie breach of privilege cannot be found.

That is from page 11 of O'Brien–111 of O'Brien and Bosc, which is the undisputed source of informa- tion regarding the appropriate way in which we ought to understand parliamentary privilege in this House as well as in Legislative Houses across this country. And this type of inter ference is one that cannot be fully enumerated in advance. As O'Brien and Bosc wrote, it is impossible to codify all incidents which might be interpreted as matters of obstruction, interference and intimidation and as such, constitute prima facie cases of privilege.

852 LEGISLATIVE ASSEMBLY OF MANITOBA March 20, 2024 It must be noted that infor mation which is misleading is not the same as false infor mation. The standard definition of misleading is that a statement of assertion gives the wrong idea or impression. However, it is clear that the partial pre sentation of information which is its own is not incorrect can nonetheless give the wrong idea to a reasonable observer.

Thus it bears repeating, the standard of the inter - ference of a member's ability to do their job and does not require them to show that the gov ernment pro- vided false information, only misleading information. This is a weaker test, Hon ourable Speaker, but one that nonetheless infringes the ability of a member to do their job. It almost goes without saying that the provision of false infor mation is clearly a case of misleading a member. Thus, it is esta blished that false infor mation has been put on the record in this House. Then this will impede a member of their duty.

In this instance, the failure of the gov ernment to provide infor mation misleads this House about the true state of the govern- ment's action and as such, breaches my privilege as a legislator. I believe I have presented this matter at the earliest opportunity, as I have given the minister adequate time since the start of session to provide adequate informa- tion before the House, and I believe the phrase earliest opportunity must be understood in a reasonable sense. This interference that I speak of is not in the matter of physical terms.

Inter ference is understo od in the discussion of privilege or contempt will go beyond the mere interference, say, of the member's ability to enter this House. Rather, it will extend to any matter which impedes a member's ability to do their job. The failure of the minister to fu lfill their legis - lated duties has impeded on my ability to adequately perform my parlia mentary duty or repre senting my constituents. As the critic for Infra structure for the official op position, I cannot properly advocate for Manitobans when the m inister and the NDP gov ern- ment will not be publicly accountable.

My months of advocating on behalf of Manitobans as the critic for this portfolio would be much better served if the NDP government were more accountable, as they have promised. Precious months have been wasted as this govern- ment distracts from the truth of their record.

This includes: their failures with child welfare; their failure to address surgical backlogs and to staff our health-care system; their failures on long -term gas tax sav ings; their interference at Manitoba Hydro; and now, their failures to address special risk extension policies and their potential for privatizing our public insurer. * (13:40) I move, and seconded by the member from Lakeside, that this matter be moved to an all -party committee for consideration. Thank you.

Introduction of Guests The Speaker: Before recognizing other members to speak on the matter of privilege, there are several guests in the gallery that I would like to acknowledge. First we have students seated in the public gallery from Fairholme school, 20 grade 9 students under the direction of Evelyn Maendel. The group is located in the constituency of the honour able member for Lakeside (Mr. King). We also have seated in the public gallery Monica Helms from Atlanta, Georgia. She is the creator of the trans flag, who is the guest of the honourable member for Kirkfield Park (Mr. Oxenham).

On behalf of all members, welcome. Further guests in the public gallery: I would like to draw the attention of all honourable members to the public gallery, where we have with us today from Agape Table: Robert Lassi, Laura Henderson, Monalise [phonetic] Ngomti, Cathe Umlah, Jim Steep, Aaron Scarff, Kanylisola [phonetic] Oni, Kyla Watson [phonetic], Amy Oliver, Charlie Oliver, Piper Oliver, and they are all guests of the honour able member for Union Station (MLA Asagwara).

And all–behalf of all of us, welcome. * * * The Speaker: And now, before I recognize members to speak, I would like t o remind all members of the House that remarks at this time by honour able mem- bers are to be limited strictly to relevant comments about whether the alleged matter of privilege has been raised at the earliest opportunity and whether a prima facie case has been established. No other members wishing to speak? Then I have a ruling for the House. On the matter of privilege raised by the honour - able member for La Vérendrye (Mr. Narth), I would

March 20, 2024 LEGISLATIVE ASSEMBLY OF MANITOBA 853 like to inform the House that this is clearly a differ - ence of facts. Past Manitoba Speakers have ruled on several similar occasions that a dispute between two members as to allegations of fact does not constitute a breach of privilege.

Bosc and Gagnon advise, on page 148 of The House of Commons Procedure and P ractice, that if a question of privilege involves a disagreement between two or more members as to facts, the Speaker typically rules that such a dispute does not prevent members from filling their–fulfilling their parliamentary functions, nor does such a disagreement breach the collective privileges of the House. Beauchesne citation 31(1) advises that a dispute arising between two members as to allegations of facts does not fulfill the conditions of parliamentary privilege.

Joseph Maingot, on page 223 of the second edition of Parliamentary Privilege in Canada, states: a dispute between two members around questions of facts said in a debate does not constitute a valid question of privilege because it is a matter of debate. I would therefore rule t hat the honourable mem- ber does not have a prima facie case of privilege. MATTER OF PRIVILEGE Mr. Derek Johnson (Interlake-Gimli): Matter of privilege, please. The Speaker: The honourable member for Interlake- Gimli, on a matter of privilege. Mr. Johnson: Now, we're all excited to get to routine proceedings, so I'll make my remarks brief.

Honourable Speaker, it pains me to have to rise on a matter of privilege this afternoon, but to para - phrase what one of my colleagues said yesterday, we can only resume lawmaking in the House when members opposite stop breaking the rules. Yesterday, my colleague for Agassiz raised con - cerns about a press availability that the Premier (Mr. Kinew) and Minister of label–Labour had, where they divulged details of bills that have not been intro- duced in this House.

While I disagreed with your ruling, Honourable Speaker, I respect you and I, of course, respect the rule and direction that you provide to this Assembly. That is why it's so disheartening to see the shame- ful behaviour of the Minister of Health, Seniors and Long-Term Care (MLA Asagwara). In your ruling against my colleague, you advised all members to protect the right of this House to see legislation first. I refer you back to the matter that my friend from Agassiz raised, as I don't need to reinvent the wheel, so to speak. Most of what she had to say is valid in this instance as well.

This is the first op portunity I could raise to a d- dress this matter, and clearly a prima facie breach of privilege, which many Speakers before have esta- blished and maintained. So, as Speaker Milliken said in 2010, and I quote: It is indisputable that it is a well- established practice and accepted convention that this House has the right of first access to the text of bills that it will consider. End quote.

And earlier, in 2001, I quote: The convention of the confidentiality of bills on notice is necessary not only so that those members them selves may be well informed, but also because of the pre -eminent role which this House plays and must play in the legis - lative affairs of the nation. I urge you, Honour able Speaker, to take this previous ruling of the long-serving Speaker, as well as many, many others, to assist you in your deliberation. I table a copy of t he Winnipeg Free Press

article in which the minister discussed specific details of the legislation and is happy of being quoted as so. I also table yesterday's and today's Order Paper, to show that these bills have not been made available to members in this Chamber. The scope and the duties of the proposed seniors advocate are expressed, as are different from–forms of complaint this new office will be em powered to in - vestigate. The minister even spoke about the delibera- tion and potential limits on the mandate of the office.

And I quote: The mandate of the seniors advocate is going to allow for that office to investi gate different themes, be it health care or be it housing issues. End quote. Honourable Speaker, this is doubly concern ing because not only is this a breach of long- standing rules, but it flies in the face of specific instructions that you gave everyone in this very Chamber yesterday. It is contempt of the highest order, and it cannot stand. There are rules in this Assembly, as in l ife, and members opposite cannot exempt them selves from them when they find it inconvenient.

I remind you, Honourable Speaker, the traditional conse quence of blatantly disregarding the authority of the Chair is to be named and expelled from this Chamber.

854 LEGISLATIVE ASSEMBLY OF MANITOBA March 20, 2024 Therefore, I move, seconded by the member for Midland (Mrs. Stone), that this House refer this matter to an all-party for review. The Speaker: Before recognizing any other members to speak, I would remind the House that all remarks at this time by honourable members are limited to strict- ly relevant comments about whether the matter of privilege has been raised at the earliest op portunity, and whether a prima facie case has been established. Hon.

Nahanni Fontaine (Government House Leader): It pains me to have to get up in this Chamber for a third day in a row to respond to some of the erroneous matters of privilege that each and every one of the members opposite have wasted our time over the last three days. * (13:50) I would have thought that today would have been the day that they would have looked in the mirror and they would have said, you know what? Today's the day we're going to get to work. We're going to do work that we're actually elected to do.

And yet here we are again, with gues ts in the gallery, who have taken their time out of their busy schedules to sit and listen to this utter nonsense. Let me just say this, Hon ourable Speaker. The member–the minister for Health didn't break any of the rules. The minister was simply expre ssing the many concerns and recommendations and vision that members in the community have been bringing forth for many, many years, including the members that were sitting up there and had to sit through a couple of hours of nonsense coming from members opposite.

And it really is the hypocrisy of, then, the member to stand up and try to raise a matter of privilege when all of them had no qualms about waving and wel - coming them while they were actually wasting their time, and standing in the way of the Minister of Health to be able to intro duce a bill on a seniors advocate office. It's simply hypocrisy coming from the members. Again, Honourable Speaker, my hope is that today the members opposite look at each other and say, you know what? We're going to work today. We're actually going to earn our salaries today and we're going to work. Miigwech, Honourable Speaker.

The Speaker: A matter of privilege is a very serious concern. I'm going to take this matter under advise - ment and I will return to the House with a ruling. ROUTINE PROCEEDINGS INTRODUCTION OF BILLS Bill 208–The Two-Spirit and Transgender Day of Visibility Act (Commemoration of Days, Weeks and Months Act Amended) Mr. Logan Oxenham (Kirkfield Park): I move, seconded by the honourable Minister of Health, Seniors and Long-Term Care (MLA Asagwara), that Bill 208, The Two-Spirit and Transgender Day of Visibility Act (Commemoration of Days, Weeks and Months Act Amended), be now read a first time. Motion presented. Mr.

Oxenham: Honourable Speaker, Bill 208, The Two-Spirit and Transgender Day of Visibility Act will designate March 31st as a time to acknowl edge the historical and global presence of those who challenge traditional views of gender and celebrate their existence. It notes the harmful impact of transphobia, discriminatory laws and lack of access to gender - affirming care. It is important to recognize the agency of youth in understanding gender identity and expres- sion and the positive impact that gender-affirming care has on one's mental health.

Two-spirit and transgender day of visibility is an opportunity to celebrate the existence of two -spirit, transgender and non-binary people. Like all Manitobans, we deserve love, respect and joy. Thank you, Honourable Speaker. The Speaker: Further tabling? Further–is it the plea- sure of the House to adopt the motion? [Agreed] Further introduction of bills? Committee reports? TABLING OF REPORTS The Speaker: And I have a report to table. In accordance with

section 58.8(2), The Freedom of Infor mation and Protec tion of Privacy Act,

section 48.14(2) of The Personal Health Infor mation Act, I'm tabling the Annual Report of the Information and Privacy Adjudicator for the year ending December 31, 2023. No further reports?

March 20, 2024 LEGISLATIVE ASSEMBLY OF MANITOBA 855 MINISTERIAL STATEMENTS Seal River Watershed Alliance Hon. Tracy Schmidt (Minister of Environment and Climate Change): I rise today in the House to acknowledge the Seal River Watershed Alliance for their leadership, perseverance and commitment to the land and all that it teaches us.

In January of this year, the government of Manitoba stood up alongside representatives from the Seal River Watershed Alliance, Indigenous nations and the Government of Canada to sign a historic M OU to formally work together on a feasibility assessment to establish a potential Indigenous protected and con- served area and a possible national park reserve in the Seal River Watershed. Located in northern Manitoba, this 50,000-square- kilometre Seal River Watershed is one of the largest remaining ecologically intact watersheds in the world.

Portions of the watershed are currently protected by three Manitoba wilderness parks and an ecological reserve, but protecting it in its entirety with this pro - posed Indigenous protected and conserved area would ensure its well-being for the long term. As one of the largest intact watersheds on the planet, the Seal River W atershed is home to a significant percentage of Manitoba's diverse ecosystems , it's a natural carbon sink that captures harmful greenhouse gasses, and many sacred Indigenous lands.

The Seal River Watershed study area, which makes up nearly 8 per cent of the land in Manitoba, is a major step forward in our gov ernment's commitment to protect 30 per cent of Manitoba's lands and waters by the year 2030. The creation of an Indigenous protected and conserved area would allow this ecologically significant watershed to continue to safeguard bio- diversity and at-risk species in Manitoba. There are at least 22 known species at risk living in the region, from polar bears to wolverines to orcas.

Our profound gratitude goes out to our partners at the Seal River Watershed Alliance, as well as Sayisi Dene First Nation, Northlands Denesuline First Nation, Barren Lands First Nation and O -Pipon-Na-Piwin Cree Nation for their expertise and collaboration on this monumental project. Next week, March 27, I invite all members to attend the screening of a new documentary film, We Are Made from the Land, being held at the Winnipeg Art Gallery.

We Are Made from the Land tells the story of four First Nations working to create the Seal River Watershed Indigenous-protected area in northern Manitoba, to care for the caribou, heal from forced relocation, strengthen cultures and sustain the land for all people. Anyone interested to attend can register online on the Winnipeg Art Galle ry's website or the Seal River Watershed website. I would like to acknowledge three leaders in the gallery, from the alliance, for the record, Honourable Speaker: Stephanie Thorassie, Justice Henderson and Mandy Wallman. Thank you so much.

The Speaker: The honourable Minister of Environ- ment and Climate Change. MLA Schmidt: I just want to extrapolate and add one more name to the list, if I can, and that is of the late, great Ernie Bussidor, who was a founder of the Seal River Watershed Alliance and who we recently and tragically lost. So I just wanted to add his name and recognize his important work to the alliance. Thank you very much. Thank you. Mr. Greg Nesbitt (Riding Mountain): It's my plea- sure to rise today and respond to the minister's statement.

Like all Manitobans, Progressive Conservatives care deeply about the environment and the conserva - tion of our natural landscapes, wildli fe habitat and fisheries. We're proud to have pioneered protections in the 1990s. We're proud that over the last seven years we have designated three new provincial parks, designated the first-ever provincially significant peat- lands and signed a partnership with the federal government to plant an extra 1 million trees every year in communities across Manitoba.

Today, Manitoba has the unique opportunity to preserve the Seal River Watershed, one of the last untouched watersheds in the world. * (14:00) In June of 2022, I was appointed the Minister of Natural Resources and Northern Dev elopment. Six months later, Manitoba agreed to partici pate in a tripartite feasibility study with Parks Canada and the Seal River Watershed Alliance for the Seal River Watershed area. I was tasked and honoured to lead a whole -of- government approach and esta blish a working group with the Manitoba and federal governments. This was

856 LEGISLATIVE ASSEMBLY OF MANITOBA March 20, 2024 a clear signal that PCs value con servation and bio- diversity and that we will also work to ensure Manitoba's economic interests are protected. On this side of the House, we share in the vision of working in partnership with First Nations to advance reconciliation and sustainable economic development in Northern Manitoba. The Seal River Watershed should be a showcase of where the environment and the economy can co-exist in the 21st century, one not affecting the other.

On this side of the House, we hope to see protec- tions of the watershed move forward, but we urge this NDP government to make informed, data-driven deci- sions to conserve natural areas while con sidering economic realities. This NDP government cannot rely on slogans or buzzwords, or rigidly adhere to arbitrary targets to get this work done.

We encourage this NDP govern ment and the Environment Minister to listen to her de partment to ensure that the federal gov ernment compensates Manitoba financially for any lost economic opportun- ity with respect to mining and forestry and to take up the goodwill of all Ma nitobans who wish to be in- volved in protecting the Seal River Watershed without sacrificing un necessarily either the environment or economic development. Thank you. Journée internationale de la Francophonie Hon.

Glen Simard (Minister of Sport, Cu lture, Heritage and Tourism): J'ai l'honneur de prendre la parole aujourd'hui dans cette Chambre en français pour souligner la Journée internationale de la Francophonie. Le 20 mars, nous célébrons avec plus que 320 millions de personnes à travers le monde qui parlent le français. Le thème pour 2024, « Créer, innover, entreprendre en français », souligne le fait que le français n'est pas seulement une langue d'apprentissage, mais aussi une langue qui appuie l'employabilité et le développement économique.

Au Manitoba, nous sommes fiers d'être plus de 110 000 personnes qui peuvent converser dans nos deux langues officielles, qu’il s'agisse d'une–de notre langue maternelle ou une langue additionnelle. Translation I am honoured to stand in this House today and speak in French to mark the International Day of the Francophonie. On March 20, we celebrate with more than 320 million people around the world who speak French.

The theme for 2024, "Create, Innovate, Undertake in French", highlights the fact that French is not only a language of learning, but also a language that supports employability and economic development. In Manitoba, we are proud to be over 110,000 people who can converse in both official languages, whether French is our mother tongue or an additional language. English In Manitoba, we are proud to be over 110,000 people who are bilingual in both official languages, whether French is our mother tongue or additional language. D'ailleurs, notre francophonie est de plus en plus diversifiée.

L'immigration et les nouveaux arrivants d'expression français jouent un rôle essentiel dans la vitalité de nos communautés. Il ne faut pas oublier non plus les contributions des nombres grandissant d'anglophones et d'allophones qui reconnaissent la valeur aj outée du bilinguisme. Leur décision d'apprendre le français vient enrichir notre province. Translation Additionally, our Francophone community is increasingly diverse, with immigration and French- speaking newcomers playing an essential role in the vitality of our communities.

Nor should we forget the contributions of growing numbers of anglophones and allophones who recognize the added value of bilingualism. Their decision to learn French enriches our province. English We must not also forget the contributions of the growing number of anglophones and allophones who recognize the added value of bilingualism and whose decision to learn French also enriches our province. La popularité de nos écoles d'immersion et de la Division scolaire franco-manitobaine démontre que la population manitobaine accorde une grande importance à l'apprentissage du français.

March 20, 2024 LEGISLATIVE ASSEMBLY OF MANITOBA 857 Le français est une langue riche et dynamique. Chaque francophone a son accent, sa façon de parler et cette variété inclusive fait sa force. Le français unit les peuples, crée les espaces de solidarité et de compréhension mutuelle et ainsi nous aide à mieux imaginer notre avenir partagé. En tant que le ministre responsable des Affaires francophones, je suis fier de rendre hommage à cette communauté et de célébrer ses con tributions à la province.

Comme gouvernement, nous œuvrons pour améliorer les services en français et nous espérons que le Manitoba soit une province véritablement bilingue. Translation The popularity of our immersion schools and t he Division scolaire franco- manitobaine shows that Manitobans attach great importance to learning French. French is a rich and dynamic language. Each Francophone has his or her own accent and way of speaking, and this inclusive variety is its strength. French unites people, creates spaces for solidarity and mutual understanding, and helps us better imagine our shared future.

As the Minister responsible for Francophone Affairs, I am proud to honour this community and celebrate its contributions to the province. As a government, we are working to improve French language services and we hope to make Manitoba a truly bilingual province. English As a gov ernment, we are striving to improve French language services and one day, we hope that Manitoba will be a truly bilingual province.

Je demande à tous les membres de l'Assemblée de se joindre à moi pour souligner la Journée internationale de la Francophonie, de reconnaître nos invités spéciaux dans la tribune publique et de célébrer le fait français au Manitoba. Translation I ask all members of this House to join me in marking the International Day of the Francophonie, in recognizing our special guests in the public gallery and in celebrating the French fact in Manitoba. MLA Bob Lagassé (Dawson Trail): Aujourd'hui, le 20 e mars, c'est la Journée internationale de la Francophonie.

Le Manitoba est le foyer de plus de 36 000 francophones et notre grande province compte plus de 111 000 personnes qui parlent couramment le français et l'anglais. Pour que la langue française reste forte au Manitoba, nous accueillons chaque année des nombreux immigrants francophones, que nous sommes fiers de présenter nos municipales bilingues et dynamiques, qui constituent d'excellentes attractions touristes.

Le Manitoba est également fier d'offrir aux élèves la possibilité de 'reçoive' leur éducation en français grâce au programme d'immersion en français qui est actuellement 'offrié' dans 115 écoles publiques réparties dans 23 divisions scolaires. Les Manitobains peuvent égale ment célébrer la culture française en participant à différentes activités telles que le Festival du Voyageur et le pavillon français du Folklorama. Le Manitoba est fier de 'souhaiter' une division scolaire 'franco' forte, la division scolaire franco - manitobaine. Vingt-trois écoles francophones desservent 'acament' les Manitobains.

La langue française n'a pas toujours été célébrée et respectée comme elle est toujours –aujourd'hui. Pendant des décennies, le droit de parler et d'apprendre le français au Manitoba était sévèrement réprimé et les Franco-Manitobains étaient la cible de la haine. C'est grâce aux hommes et aux femmes courageux qui ont défendu la langue française et les droits des francophones, comme Sœur Léonne Démécil [phonétique] et Georges Fore st, que nous célébrons même une journée comme celle -ci, dont je suis 'profond' reconnaissant. Merci, Monsieur le Président, et bonne journée de francophonie.

Translation Today, March 20, is the International Day of La Francophonie. Manitoba is home to more than 36,000 Francophones, and our great province is home to more than 111,000 people who are fluent in both French and English. To keep the French language strong in Manitoba, we welcome many French -speaking immigrants each year, and are proud to showcase our vibrant, bilingual municipalities, which are excellent tourist attractions.

858 LEGISLATIVE ASSEMBLY OF MANITOBA March 20, 2024 Manitoba is also proud to offer students the opportunity to get their education in French through the French Immersion program, which is currently offered in 115 public schools across 23 school divisions. Manitobans can also celebrate French culture through activities such as the Festival du Voyageur and Folklorama's French Pavilion. Manitoba is proud to support a strong French school division, the Division scolaire franco- manitobaine. Twenty-three French -language schools currently serve Manitobans.

French has not always been as celebrated and respected as it is today. For decades, the right to speak French and learn French was severely repressed in Manitoba, and Franco-Manitobans were the targets of hatred. It is thanks to the courageous men and women who defended the French language and the rights of Francophones, like Sister Léonne Dumesnil and Georges Forest, that we even celebrate a day like this, for which I am deeply grateful. Thank you, Honourable Speaker, and h appy Francophonie Day. MLA Cindy Lamoureux (Tyndall Park): I ask for leave to respond to the minister's statement.

The Speaker: Does the member from Tyndall Park have leave? [Agreed] MLA Lamoureux: Today on March 20, we celebrate the International Francophonie Day as a commitment to not only the French language and the rich and diverse francophone culture, but the values of peace, democracy and respect for human rights that unite all members of the Inter national Organi zation of La Francophonie, all of these qualities, which are reflected by our first premier, Louis Riel.

The Legislative Assemblies of Canada and five provinces, including Manitoba, New Brunswick, Nova Scotia, Ontario and Quebec, are members of the parliamentary assembly of the OIF. The date was chosen to celebrate the anniversary of the agency for cultural and technical co -operation back in 1970, marking the first steps toward franco - phone co-operation, which would eventually become the International Organization of La Francophonie. There are over 369 million French speakers on Earth, 7 million in Canada and over 40,000 here in the province of Manitoba.

Celebrating La Francophonie is recognizing the potential of language and culture to unite people, to create spaces of solidarity and mutual understanding to reflect together on our common future and, in today's world, provi ding an inspiring vision of placing culture and languages at the heart of any lasting effort for peace. In Canada and around the world, the French lan- guage has always had an im portant place among languages, first as a symbol of culture and creativity, then as a path of democracy and humanism.

Today, we join francophones and francophiles in celebrating the French language and the tre mendous contributions to our rich cultural heritage and history here in Manitoba. * (14:10) In closing, Honourable Speaker, I'd like to thank those who have joined us today in the gallery as well as the minister for hosting suc h a wonderful event earlier today and bringing forward today's ministerial statement. Thank you. MEMBERS' STATEMENTS Agape Table Hon. Uzoma Asagwara (Minister of Health, Seniors and Long -Term Care): Our communities are stronger when we lift each other up.

And today, I'd like to recognize the impactful work of the folks at Agape Table, the sponsors and volunteers who serve communities in downtown Winnipeg, in Union Station. At Agape Table, they believe there is hope in nutrition, dignity in choice and power for change in the community. For over 15 years, Agape Table has ensured folks in the community have something to eat every day of the week with their free breakfast program and their emergency food shelter. In total, these programs have served over 150,000 meals, provided over 15,000 food hampers to feed our community.

And on top of this, their organization is a community space for gathering, friend- ship and compassion. Folks who use their services range from those without housing and low -income seniors to working single parents and newcomers who are adjusting to life in Winnipeg. I've had the pleasure of volunteering with these folks, and their kindness, humour and vulnerable storytelling stayed with me a long time and stays with me to this day.

March 20, 2024 LEGISLATIVE ASSEMBLY OF MANITOBA 859 Agape Table has seen record numbers of people seeking aid this winter. As food and living costs rise, we must support organizations that dedicate their time to those in need. I encourage folks to donate food, clothing and hygiene products if you are able to do so. I want to especially thank Piper and Charlie, incredible 10-year-old volunteers, and all the volun- teers who put in over 2,000 hours each month to run the programs that ensure our neighbours have warm clothes and food that they need all year long, but especially during the cold winter months.

Now, as our government puts forward strong policies to address the issues of food insecurity, home- lessness and inconnection throughout the province, it's important that organizations like Agape Table are here to remind us that we have– The Speaker: Order, please. Order, please. It's against the rules for the member, during a member's statement–for the minister, during a member's statement, to reference government policy. MLA Asagwara: Honourable Speaker, every person deserves to be treated with dignity and respect.

Our communities flourish when we recognize that our lives are interconnected, dependent on one another and that we embrace the opportunity to lift each other up. I'd like to ask my colleag ues to join me in thanking Agape Table for their dedication and their amazing commitment to our communities in need. Thank you. The Speaker: The honourable member for Brandon West (Mr. Balcaen). Oh, sorry. The honour able Minister of Health, Seniors and Long-Term Care (MLA Asagwara).

MLA Asagwara: I just want to ensure that the names of Charlie Oliver and Piper Oliver, who are 10 years old, Amy Oliver, Robert Lassi, Laura Henderson, Monalisa Ngomti, Cathe Umlah, Jim Steep, Aaron Scarff, Kanyinsola Oni and Kyla Walton are on the permanent record of this House. The Speaker: For the information of the hon ourable member, leave is not required, for rule 28(3) states that if a member wishes to have names of individuals included in the Hansard transcript, individuals refer - enced in their statements, they provide a list to Hansard before 5 o'clock today.

Up to 50 names will be permitted. [interjection] Okay. And the fact that you read them in the record means they are, in fact, already in the record. The honourable minister for Brandon–or, the hon- ourable member for Brandon West. Manitoba Winter Fair Mr. Wayne Balcaen (Brandon West): Honourable Speaker, one week from today, my home city of Brandon will be hosting the world- class Royal Manitoba Winter Fair. This spring break tradition that has ran for 150 years will again be buzzing with excitement March 25th to the 30th.

I would like to personally extend an invitation to my colleagues on all sides of the House and all Manitobans of every age to come to Brandon as the Royal Manitoba Winter Fair has something for everyone. You can experience first -hand equestrian events, heavy horse competition, hands-on agricultural educa- tion programs, super dogs, commercial trade show ex- hibits and so much more. This year will offer exceptional live entertainment with new and exciting acts. The Royal Manitoba Winter Fair kicks off at 7 a.m. on Monday with a sunrise breakfast where I'll be helping serve breakfast to hundreds of fairgoers.

It will be a full week of continuous enjoyment, meeting constituents and having quality time at the fair with my wife, children and grandchildren. I would be remiss not to mention the incred ible economic impact the fair brings to the city with an increase in tourism by attracting not just only local, but national and international visitors. This fair would not be possible without the in- credibly dedi cated staff and hundreds of volunteers that make this fair the great success that it is, and for that I thank each and every one of you.

Thank you to the Prov incial Exhibition of Manitoba, an amazing organi zation, for sponsoring this renowned event. On July 11, 1970, the Brandon Winter Fair was granted patronage by a visit from Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II and became the Roy al Manitoba Winter Fair. As one of only two fairs in Canada to receive this designation, I guarantee that when you attend Brandon for the fair, you will receive the royal treatment. Thank you, Honourable Speaker. Filipino United Community Church Mr. Di ljeet Brar (Burrows): Honourable Speaker, magandang hapon po [good afternoon].

860 LEGISLATIVE ASSEMBLY OF MANITOBA March 20, 2024 The constituency of Burrows is home to a thriving Filipino population that has grown ever since people from the Philippines started calling Manitoba their home in the 1950s . With a rapid growth in their population, it was important to minister to the needs of Filipino Canadians in Manitoba. Hence, the Filipino United Community Church was formally organized in June of 1986 in Winnipeg. Soon the church will be celebrating i ts 40th anniversary with an active and intergenerational membership of over 300 people.

The positive efforts of the Filipino United Community Church are visible across our province. They organize yearly neighbourhood cleanup efforts and collect clothes, s hoes and other items as part of donation drives to promote sustainability and give back to the community. In partnership with Union Gospel Mission, they also organize food drives during Easter and Thanksgiving each year. Beyond our province, the church has sent financial support to those affected through their ministry partners as millions of folks around the world face natural disasters and international conflicts.

The church holds services every Sunday and gathers for English and Tagalog Sunday school af ter their time of worship. Many members participate in a singing group which visits nursing homes every first and third Sunday of the month to sing hymns and read psalms of–to the residents. The Filipino United Community Church focuses on educating children through theatrical performances and religious education. They host weekly Bible study sessions, spiritual retreats, summer camps for youth and families and have well-attended youth program.

I have been connected with the church for the past few years and seen how their activities have strength- ened community ties– The Speaker: Order, please. Member's time has expired. An Honourable Member: Leave. The Speaker: Is there leave for him to finish his statement? [Agreed] Mr. Brar: I have been connected with the church for the past few years and seen how their activities have strengthened com munity ties for many residents of Burrows.

In the gallery today, we are joined by Pastor Victor Cuarto, the lead pastor at Filipino United Community Church, along with many others from the congregation whose names I ask be entered into Hansard. I urge members in the Chamber to thank all the members of this welcoming, community-minded con- gregation for their important work. Mabuhay. [Live.] Alfred Aguila, Casiano Al egro, Carlos Bautista, Leticia Bautista, Hannah Victoria Cuarto, Maria Luisa Cuarto, Victor Immanuel Cuarto, Maripin Europa, Agripina Garcia, Mariano Garcia, Jean Padrinao, Hannah Victoria * (14:20) Souris Survivor Bonspiel Mr.

Grant Jackson (Spruce Woods): I rise today to highlight the Souris Survivor bonspiel. Always held over spring break, this year, curlers of all ages will descend into Souris March 27 to 31, and it features events for men's, women's, masters, two-person stick curling, U15 juniors and U13 juniors. In total, this event has 96 teams registered, over 380 curlers and is well on its way to a full -scale recovery to pre-pandemic levels. This year, the event features curling club and arena ice, two socials with live bands, a catered dinner for curlers and the community and, of course, great prizes.

In–over its more than 20-year history, this bonspiel has become a staple of Souris's event calendar year, has raised almost $200,000 for the Souris and Glenwood Memorial Complex and has become w ell known across the province for its different theme each year, this year being it's Canada Eh! Of course, events like this can't take place without volunteers. They are the backbone of countless events that support our communities, and Survivor is no exception.

I want to tank the–take this opportunity to thank all of the current and past board members of both the Souris Survivor bonspiel and the Souris Curling Club for ensuring this event continues to bring people to Souris. And so, in that theme, f rom March 27 to 31, I'd like to invite all members and all Manitobans to Souris to, as the slogan goes, outwit, outplay and outlast at the Souris Survivor bonspiel 2024. Thank you.

Newcomers Employment and Education Development Services MLA Cindy Lamoureux (Tyndall Park): I rise this afternoon to acknowledge and celebrate the remarkable 25-year anniversary of Newcomers Em ployment and

March 20, 2024 LEGISLATIVE ASSEMBLY OF MANITOBA 861 Education Development Services that we all know as NEEDS Inc. NEEDS is a beacon of hope and support for new- comers to Canada. The organization was founded in 1999 by a CEO, Margaret von Lau, whose vision is rooted in her own personal journey and experiences as an immigrant in Canada. Now, over the past 25 years, NEEDS has been instrumental in helping ma ny newcomers in their journey to integrate into Canadian society.

As a non - profit, charitable organization, they provide accessible services and support to over 2,000 newcomer and refugee children, youth and their families every single year. NEEDS plays an indispensable role in enriching Manitoba's communities and easing the transition of newcomers into life in Canada. At the heart of NEEDS, there is a commitment to empower newcomers through employment, mentor - ship, education and social recreational programs.

These initiatives serve as a vital pathway to the development of essential life skills, confidence and positive social support networks for newcomer children, youth and their families. Honourable Speaker, this significant milestone highlights the profound impact that NEEDS has had on our newcomer community here in Winnipeg. Now, before wrapping up, I have three quick points. Firstly, I want to congratulate Margaret and all her staff at NEEDS for their unwavering commitment to supporting newcomers as they reflect the core values of inclusivity and diversity that define our nation.

Secondly, following question period, I would like to invite all my MLA colleagues to join us for a group photo on the grand staircase. And lastly, I'd like to ask my col leagues to join me here this afternoon in congratulating and recog- nizing NEEDS on their great work. Thank you. ORAL QUESTIONS Gas Pipeline Shutdown Fuel Supply Concerns Mr. Wayne Ewasko (Leader of the Official Opposition): One week. Just one week of fuel. The Premier told CJOB radio Monday morning, and I quote: We're told there's about a week's worth of gasoline.

Then suddenly, later on Monday, the Premier told the media there's no reason for the public to panic or for people to stock up on fuel. One week left, but don't panic. Perhaps the Premier was too honest in the morning, and his propaganda machine took over by the afternoon. So which is it, Hon ourable Speaker? Are we in immediate crisis with our fuel supply or not? Hon. Wab Kinew (Premier): This is a serious issue, and it's one that Manitobans are going to have to learn to live with, all of us together, for the next few months.

Now, I want to assure the public that there are 50,000 barrels a day coming via train car. That's according to our supplier network. So while the member opposite, on this very im - portant issue, refused to ask a question about it until Wednesday, because he was more concerned with procedural delay tactics to oppose a piece of legis - lation that even Pierre Poilievre supported, we, on the other hand, have been hard at work. We're hard at work ensuring that there's an adequate supply.

We continue the good work under the auspices of our Minister of Finance (MLA Sala) to keep fuel prices affordable in Manitoba, and w e're going to continue delivering for you, the people of this great province. The Speaker: The honourable Leader of the Official Opposition, on a supplementary question. Pause to the Gas Tax Request for Extension Mr. Wayne Ewasko (Leader of the Official Opposition): Unfortunately, the Premier keeps break- ing the rules, and so we have to keep standing up on matters of privilege for all Manitobans.

The pipeline shutdown will affect over 1 million people for three months and possibly more. We know that demand for fuel will surpass supply, no matter what inflated numbers of trucks or railcars the Premier claims are on the way. And we know the backdrop for this rapidly unfolding crisis is the spectre of an in- creasing carbon tax and the end of the gov ernment's failed gas tax blip. The Premier stated to media there's no, I quote, showmanship in provi ding relief and reassurance to Manitobans.

Would he spare Manitobans the theatrics and just announce an extension to the gas tax pause today, or is he more showman than statesman?

862 LEGISLATIVE ASSEMBLY OF MANITOBA March 20, 2024 Hon. Wab Kinew (Premier): Honourable Speaker, to you and everybody across the province, on January 1 of this year, we cut the prov incial fuel tax to save you money. Now, it's an interesting approach for the Leader of the Opposition to say, hey, government, great work, do more of what you're been–what your gov ernment is doing, but certainly we welcome that for due con- sideration. I do, however, have to call out one of the misstate- ments that he just made.

He wa s not standing up for any rules; he was standing up for himself when he started the procedural delays on Monday. He's more concerned with answering charges that he's trans - phobic than standing up on these issues that affect the people of Manitoba. I'll tell you where we stand. On this side of the House, we understand it's not about us. It's about you, the people of Manitoba. That's why we're going to be with you through this situation regarding the pipeline, and that's why we're going to continue delivering affordability relief at the pump.

The Speaker: The honourable Leader of the Official Opposition, on a final supplementary question. Pipeline Shutdown and Carbon Tax Impact on Fuel Prices Mr. Wayne Ewasko (Leader of the Official Opposition): We see that the bullying tactics and the rule-breaking continues today. We know that the price of gas has increased by 30 cents since the begin ning of this gov ernment's failed gas tax blip, and the Premier won't commit to extend it. Manitobans are wor ried that a supply shortage caused by this pipeline shutdown will lead to further increases to the cost of gas.

Manitobans know the carbon tax hike will make things even worse April 1. I table the picture of premiers who are standing up for their provinces. You know who–you know who–is missing. What is the Premier doing that the prices will not skyrocket, since we already know he's not standing up for Manitobans on the carbon tax? Hon. Wab Kinew (Premier): On the subject of breaking rules, the Leader of the Opposition broke two there. You're not supposed to use props in ques tion period and you're supposed to bring enough copies to table for the House. He didn't fulfill either of those criteria.

Now, one thing that we are doing is saving Manitobans money every day at the pump. Through the measures that we've taken to cut the provincial fuel tax to zero, we have the lowest cost of gasoline in the entire country. Our gov ernment has a steady hand. We have a steady hand when you're tightening the l ug nut. We have a steady hand when you're filling up, the pump. We have a steady hand when it's on the wheel. Them on the other side, when they go to refill the washer fluid, most of the liquid ends up on the ground. That's why they're not fit to govern and we are.

A steady hand on the wheel producing results for you, the people of Manitoba. * (14:30) Incidents Involving Children in CFS Care Response Request from Families Minister Mrs. Lauren Stone (Midland): Honourable Speaker, Manitobans have many questions for this government. After Winnipeg police identified a group of kids in care committing violent robberies because they'd fallen through the cracks in the system, the Assembly of Manitoba Chiefs and the child advocate were quick to comment. This Minister of Families (MLA Fontaine) was not, because when media reached out, she was in New York and unavailable.

This is the NDP's government's idea of working. This is NDP leadership. Can this minister explain why she never seems to have time to discuss the children in her care? The Speaker: I–[interjection] Order, please. Order please. I would caution the member about indicating whether people are present or not present. While you didn't specifically say not in the House, you indicated that she wasn't here. Thank you. Hon. Wab Kinew (Premier): The issue of doing better by children in care, and by doing better for all people in Manitoba to make our com munity safer, is an important one.

And that's why we're proud to work with folks in the child-welfare system, to work with foster parents,

March 20, 2024 LEGISLATIVE ASSEMBLY OF MANITOBA 863 to work with law enforcement, to work with commu- nity organizations to bring together a com prehensive plan to respond to the current situation. Now, the Minister for Families was under taking important work on behalf of the Province of Manitoba, and advocating for gender equity, not just here in the province, but internationally. Surely, that is an impor- tant priority.

At the same time, our government is standing up a public safety summit to be held on April 30, bringing together all the various stake holders so that we can agree on one plan to improve things for you, the people of Manitoba. The Speaker: The honourable member for Midland, on a supplementary question. Child Welfare System Call for Public Inquiry Mrs. Lauren Stone (Midland): Honourable Speaker, the system has failed these children. I want to credit my Liberal colleague to raise this important issue the first day we returned to this House. But the minister was too busy.

The chief of police has said this is critical. The child's advocate has said this is critical. Yet this is her de partment, and she is too busy. When will she start taking this seriously and call for a public inquiry into the failings of the CFS system? Hon. Wab Kinew (Premier): Ensuring that young Manitobans, who are our collective responsibility, not just as the Province of Manitoba but all of us as the people of Manitoba, is indeed a sacred trust. We know that the members opposite are alluding to an inquiry, and that's a pacific instance.

There's a responsibility to ensure, first, that the in vestigation by law en force- ment, and then the process through the prosecution, is carried to its logical conclusion. Now, we recognize that it is important to be open to an inquiry.

But I do want to state that going back to the Aboriginal Justice Inquiry, continuing on through the Truth and Reconciliation Commission of Canada, going through the Phoenix Sinclair inquiry, going on through the National Inquiry into Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls, continuing on through any number of inquests, there are existing recommendations about a path forward here, to not only make life better for young people, but also to improve life for everybody in Manitoba.

That's the implementation agenda that we're pur - suing, and our Minister of Families (MLA Fontaine)– The Speaker: Member's time has expired. The honourable member for Midland, on a final supplementary question. Incidents Involving Children in CFS Care Response Request from Families Minister Mrs. Lauren Stone (Midland): Honourable Speaker, the minister is more concerned about likes on Twitter and shares of her Instagram reels than she is about Manitoba children. While she didn't take time to talk to the Free Press about this issue last week, she did have time to make a hype reel of her trip.

This minister of social media vanity needs to understand the job she signed up for, as– Some Honourable Members: Oh, oh. The Speaker: Order, please. Order, please. Order. Order. Ministers and members are to be referred to either by their constituency or their ministerial title. Nothing else. Mrs. Stone: Honourable Speaker, this minister needs to understand that she–job she signed up for is vitally important, and she needs to start showing up for it. If this minister is too busy to do her job, then why won't she just resign and have someone else do it? Hon.

Wab Kinew (Premier): I'm proud to respond to the personal attacks on behalf of my colleague, the Minister of Families (MLA Fontaine). The member for St. Johns (MLA Fontaine) is an inspiration to young Indigenous women. She is an in- spiration to Indigenous women of all ages and, indeed, she is an inspiration to all Manitobans who believe in gender equity and reproductive justice, and I am proud to stand with her every single day of our political careers.

On the substantive matter of child welfare, we know that the status quo is not working, and that's why our minister and our government is working to try and improve the situation, to improve it for young people and to improve it for all Manitobans. I do want to take this opportunity to let the mem- bers opposite know that we are planning to hold a media event tomorrow i n the constituency –well, actually, in the community of Lac du Bonnet. The Speaker: The member's time is expired.

864 LEGISLATIVE ASSEMBLY OF MANITOBA March 20, 2024 Recent Incidents Involving Children in CFS Care Request for Government Address Mr. Wayne Balcaen (Brandon West): Honourable Speaker, I've worked with Chief Smyth as a colleague and have a lot of respect for him and the work that he does with Winnipeg Police Service. I was able to speak with him just last night. I know that he did not come forward as he did to raise his concerns lightly, and this Families Minister needs to understand that.

We cannot allow Manitobans to feel unsafe on the streets, and we cannot allow vulnerable youth to fall through the system like this. So I ask the minister: Has she met with Chief Smyth since she came back and addressed some of these concerns? Hon. Matt Wiebe (Minister of Justice and Attorney General): The member opposite knows that I also met with Chief Smyth yesterday, had a chance to chat with law enforcement, and certainly shared some concern- ing facts with the police chief.

And the facts that the police chief so eloquently stated in the media and shared with me personally are that over two terms, over almost eight years of PC governance, that things had gotten worse and worse and worse in our city and in our province. They understand that it's not just about law en- forcement, but it's about getting to the root causes of crime. And that's why he believes in our message to Manitobans; he believes in our message of unity, and he stands– The Speaker: The member's time has expired. Mr.

Balcaen: This minister needs to understand that even if her party is fun damentally anti -police, she needs to do what is best for Manitobans. She needs to get together with Chief Smyth, form a relationship and address this vital concern. We need to know what resources those responsible for these youth need, and this minister needs to stop the jet -setting and start governing. If caregivers don't have the means to give these kids a stable life, we need to do more. What is this government doing to address this? Mr.

Wiebe: Well, while the member opposite is going to continue with the personal attacks in this Legislature, I can assure him that every single member on this side of the House is going to stand w ith Manitobans to make our com munities safer, and we will work together across gov ernment, across all de- partments, to support good programs, good projects like Lighthouses, the Lighthouses program which, across the province, has had real results –a pr ogram developed under the NDP, and a program that we're going to continue to build on. But of course, under the PCs, 40 per cent increase in youth crime.

This member opposite needs to answer for his former government's actions. The Speaker: The honourable member for Brandon West, on a final supplementary. Child Welfare System Call for Public Inquiry Mr. Wayne Balcaen (Brandon West): Honourable Speaker, this is not a political issue. What is political is this minister's priorities. Rather than putting the needs of Manitoba youths first, she took a vanity trip. When confronted with the crisis in her portfolio, the minister couldn't even be reached by phone by our local media.

That says all it needs to about priorities. * (14:40) This isn't just indiscriminate violence. It's violence being committed by youth that is–that this minister is responsible for. So I echo my colleague's question that the minis- ter refused to answer: When will she call a public inquiry into this crisis? Hon. Nahanni Fontaine (Minister of Families): I have enormous respect for Chief Danny Smyth. In fact, we've worked together back when I was the Southern Chiefs director of justice ; we've worked together for almost 20 years.

We worked together on files of sexually exploited children, we've worked together on files on MMIWG2S. I have enormous respect for him, and I will continue to have enormous respect for him and continue to work together in the best interest of Manitoba, and certainly the children that are in conflict with the law. What I want to just caution, folks, is that the chief didn't have all of the facts at his disposal when he had that press conference. I would be very cautious to not paint all children with the same brush, contributing to– The Speaker: Member's time has expired.

March 20, 2024 LEGISLATIVE ASSEMBLY OF MANITOBA 865 Health-Care Advisory Committee Inquiry into Decision to Abolish Mrs. Kathleen Cook (Roblin): In January, the Minister of Health touted a new advisory com mittee led by their new political adviser, Dr. Eric Jacobsohn. While he's been here for three months now, no advisory committee has materialized. The Premier's office admitted to the Winnipeg Free Press two weeks ago that the idea has been abandoned. Can the minister please explain for the House, why has this expert -led panel of health -care workers has been shelved? Hon.

Uzoma Asagwara (Minister of Health, Seniors and Long-Term Care): Honourable Speaker, in the last, about six months, I've had the absolute pleasure as the Minister for Health to meet with experts across the province. It has been wonderful to have Dr. Jacobsohn, a highly regarded and respected critical -care doctor in our province, expert of the front lines, to be willing to be in an advisory role for our gov ernment and for myself. His expert r elationships across health care are informing us of how we move forward to strengthen health care and fix the damage of the previous govern- ment.

I know that it's a foreign concept, an anomaly, to members opposite, to work with experts in health care. On this side of the House, Honourable Speaker, we're going to continue to listen to experts and make health care better for Manitobans. The Speaker: The honourable member for Roblin, on a supplementary question. Mrs. Cook: At the time of the an nouncement, Dr. Jacobsohn and the minister told the media that they would, quote, fill a provincial advisory table with health-care professionals from various areas and with wide-ranging expertise. Unquote.

They called it, quote, a col laborative mission to find people who want to serve and speak freely. Unquote. Yet this collab orative mission has been com - pletely scrapped. And in fact, we're still waiting for the NDP to provide any update on their plan to staff the health-care system at all. Why is the NDP refusing to bring health- care workers to the table? MLA Asagwara: Honourable Speaker, not only are we bringing health- care workers to the table, we're bringing the table some doughnuts, some coffee, some snacks, directly to them –directly to them.

Just like yesterday morning, when we were at the Victoria General Hospital, on another stop of our listening tour, where we heard from experts in the health- care system at all levels and disciplines. Honourable Speaker, it is an absolute honour to meet health-care workers where they're at, to create spaces where they get to contribute to our gov ern- ment's agenda of fixing the damage the previous gov- ernment did to our health- care system, and I look forward to sharing more news about the experts that are going to be joining more tables to serve our gov - ernment, to serve Manitobans across the province.

The Speaker: The honourable member from Roblin, on a final supplementary question. Mrs. Cook: Honour able Speaker, I love do ughnuts, too, but it's not a subs titute for a seat at the real decision-making table. First the NDP cut the Diagnos- tic and Surgical Recovery Task Force, which was a team staffed by some of the best doctors, not only in Manitoba, but in all of Canada. Now the NDP has abandoned a promised commit- tee that was going to bring health-care workers to the table in discussions with the gov ernment.

That's two avenues for front-line health-care workers to express their concerns and ideas, cut by this NDP government. Can the minister please explain, why are they so averse to actually listening to health-care workers and bringing them to the real decision-making table? MLA Asagwara: Honourable Speaker, real tables are the front lines of our health -care system. Real tables are in the living rooms of health-care workers whose voices were never heard or valued or respected by the previous government. Real tables are advisory tables that I look forward to sharing more news about.

And over the past six months, we've had the op- portunity and t he pleasure to meet folks across the health-care system who have continued to express they want to work with our government to fix the damage, the monumental damage done by every single member of the House opposite. Honourable Speaker, we're going to pull that table together, we're going to do much more work to fix the damage done and we're going to make sure that no matter where you are in health care in Manitoba,

866 LEGISLATIVE ASSEMBLY OF MANITOBA March 20, 2024 you're going to be a part of the solutions with our government– The Speaker: Minister's time has expired. The–[interjection] Order. Order. Order. Introduction of Labour Legislation House Rules and Minister's Comments Ms. Jodie Byram (Agassiz): Honourable Speaker, I have a very simple question for the Minister of Labour and Immigration. The Premier (Mr. Kinew) can't give permission to break the rules of this House.

So I ask: Can the Minister of Labour and Immigration explain why the labour leaders knew the intimate details of a bill that still has not been introduced here in this Chamber? Hon. Malaya Marcelino (Minister of Labour and Immigration): Thank you, member opposite, for that ridiculous question. I stood here this past week, day after day, trying to share the intimate details of this legis lation with members opposite, with the rest of the province, because it's good news for all Manitobans and all workers across this province.

But it was members opposite that had to talk about problems about their hairdos or whatever other kinds of issues that they were bringing up. [interjection] Okay, not for the member for Steinbach (Mr. Goertzen). But all other issues about their hairdos, other kinds of– The Speaker: Member's time has expired. The honourable member for Agassiz. [interjection] Order. Ms. Byram: Further to my questi on, Honour able Speaker, I table a copy of the press conference with the Premier and the minister, and I urge you to review this material. So, seriously consider it, please.

And can the minister explain what she meant by, what's another matter of privilege? MLA Marcelino: You know what, honest–thank you, Honourable Speaker, and thank you, member, for another ridiculous question. You know, actually, when the member was bring- ing that up yesterday, it was actually very, very disrespectful, because it –No. 1, it wasn't even a real matter of privilege. There were press there that were asking me so many questions, and at the end, I wasn't able to share anything because of the rules of this House, which I very, very much respect.

In fact, if the honour able member would like to check out all the other kinds of press from CBC, from the Winnipeg Free Press, that describe that –what happened that day, they said that the minister was not able to share the details because it hadn't been intro - duced in the House before. Again, a fake matter– The Speaker: Member's time has expired. Ms. Byram: So without these bills even intro duced, the media has been reporting that the employer repre- sentatives that the NDP claim to have been listening to, alongside with their labour bosses, opposed every decision they made and called for moderation.

Why is this minister pretending to listen to both employers and organized labour if the only people she's listening to are the MFL and the CLC opinions? Are they going to be reflected in her legislation? * (14:50) MLA Marcelino: You know what? In October –on October of 2023, Manitobans elected a gov ernment with real leadership and real vision for the people of Manitoba. What that vision entails is shared prosperity for all Manitobans, and that includes for business and for all workers across this province.

I can get louder because I'm really proud of what this gov ernment is doing and what we're going to continue to do for the people of Manitoba. Thank you, Honourable Speaker. Prompt Payment to Construction Companies Proclamation Timeline for Legislation Mr. Konrad Narth (La Vérendrye): Prompt payment legislation has been advocated by construction associations across this entire country. Previously, our PC gov ernment brought forward prompt payment legislation that received unanimous consent from this Legislature.

Yet this NDP government has ragged the puck on enacting the relevant regulations and refused to do required consul tations for proclamation of the bill. Can the minister answer why this NDP gov ern- ment is refusing to move forward on the bill that they voted for?

March 20, 2024 LEGISLATIVE ASSEMBLY OF MANITOBA 867 Hon. Lisa Naylor (Minister of Transportation and Infrastructure): I will thank the member opposite for the question. It gives me an opportunity to say what a pleasure it's been meeting with industry around this issue over the last couple of months. The member may not be aware, as I know he is new to the Legislature, that this bill passed with the intention that sig nificant pieces would be passed in regulation, and that is the ongoing work that is happening right now. The Speaker: The honourable member for La Vérendrye, on a supplementary question. Mr.

Narth: That's exactly what we're here wondering: When this is going to happen? Delayed payments to construction companies can lead to unneeded financial strain, stress to owners and workers and even busi ness closures and loss of jobs. This legislation affects the livelihood of thousands of Manitobans, and this NDP caucus supporte d it. But maybe that shouldn't be of any surprise. We know that the NDP's record on paying their suppliers isn't that great. Why are we delaying the regulations and consul- tations that are required to enact this legis lation? When will these steps be taken?

MLA Naylor: Thank you again, for that question. Of all the questions I thought I might have today, this wasn't one of them. But I'm happy to let you know that you're absolutely right –absolutely right–that the NDP supported the builder liens amendment act. There is–was consent on this side of the House. That act received assent on May 30, and it will come into force when regulations are enacted, and anyone on that side of the House who was involved in this understands that this is a sig nificant legal process.

There are many, many legal details that will be captured in regula tions, and that is exactly what our team has been working on. The Speaker: The honourable member for La Vérendrye, on a final supplementary question. Mr. Narth: That's what I'm up here asking is, on behalf of constituents of mine and all Manitobans, including the construction companies that represent infrastructure development in our province.

And I'll say, in a letter from the–or the Winnipeg Construction Association that I'm able to table here today, they outline their concerns regarding prompt payment delays and their concerns that this NDP gov- ernment has yet to end the suspension of public con- struction tendering and is delaying awarding already tendered work. This is directly leading to layoffs. Manitobans are losing their jobs due to the negligence of this NDP government. Can the minister please tell the House: Why are they forcing– The Speaker: Member's time has expired.

MLA Naylor: Again, I will tell the member opposite, you can tell your constituents exactly what I've been telling industry over the last few months: the PC govern- ment could not get it done but the NDP government will. NEEDS Newcomer Services Support for Similar Organizations MLA Cindy Lamoureux (Tyndall Park): We are fortunate to have organizations like NEEDS support our newcomer children and youth. It is one of the only centres in Canada offering these services. I want to ask our Premier (Mr. Kinew): How does he plan to support groups like NEEDS and all the good work that they do for new Manitobans? Hon.

Malaya Marcelino (Minister of Labour and Immigration): Thank you, member opposite, for your question. It was just–my great pleasure to meet for the first time, Monica [phonetic], from–the leader from NEEDS in a meeting a couple of months ago. As the new minister, I hadn't heard of their programming yet and it was just really mind-blowing to see the kind of good that they're doing in this community, especially for so many refugee children and families across our pro- vince and in the city of Winnipeg.

And it is our pleasure to be able to come up with new settlement services and settlement funding that will be introduced in this coming budget on April 2. Thank you. The Speaker: The honourable member for Tyndall Park, on a supplementary question. Professional Development for Staff MLA Lamoureux: With an average of 2,000 newcomers being supported each year, NEEDS provides important skills training to youth, to help them integrate into Canadian society.

868 LEGISLATIVE ASSEMBLY OF MANITOBA March 20, 2024 The NEEDS staff come from a variety of back - grounds: many are social workers, teachers and early childhood educators. What is this minister's plan to ensure professional development opportunities are available for all educators who want to develop their skills to better serve our youth? MLA Marcelino: Thank you to the member opposite for their very, very important question.

Part of our mandate here in this government is to really transform what we can do for newcomers because we know what a vital role they play in our economy and in the vitality of communities across Manitoba. One of the things that we're going to be really, really keen on doing is making sure that barriers to accreditation–unfair barriers to accreditation are going to be removed. We've made a lot of steps forward on this already in such a short time, especially as it relates to regulations for English language r equirements from different regulatory colleges.

And this is online right now for review for members opposite, if they'd like to take a look. But again, most of the funding for new settlement services that are going to be coming up– come in the budget are going to be about adult education, about English language classes and also jobs and skills train- ing; things that we know that newcomers need– The Speaker: The member's time has expired. The honourable member for Tyndall Park, on a final supplementary question.

Youth Mental Health Strategy Implementation Timeline MLA Cindy Lamoureux (Tyndall Park): NEEDS staff provide education and integration services for new Manitoban youth from all around the world. While the needs from child to child might diffe r, one common issue for youth are mental health challenges. NEEDS staff are often called upon to help youth with psychological supports. This is an area where they can certainly be better supported by the Province. When can Manitobans expect this government to unveil its youth mental health strategy? Hon.

Bernadette Smith (Minister responsible for Mental Health): I was very honoured to attend the NEEDS dinner and I want to uplift the work that they're doing and assure them that we are doing a lot of work on youth mental health.

And there is a lot of work that is still yet to be done and I want to let the member know that, April 2, to stay tuned to our budget, and also that there's been a lot of work that has been rolled out already, in terms of wait times, letting–making sure that those are–kids are getting access to mental health services sooner; in terms of, like, calls to make sure that they're not wait- ing to get into services, so that they have access to someone sooner. And I know– The Speaker: The member's time has expired. * (15:00) French Language Services Government Initiatives MLA Robert Loiselle (St.

Boniface): C'est aujourd'hui la Journée internationale de la Francophonie. Après des années de coupures, les francophones ont enfin un gouvernement qui s'engage à faire en sorte que leur culture, leur langue et leurs droits soient reconnus et protégés dans cette province. La première loi adoptée par ce gouvernement a été de reconnaître Louis Riel en tant que premier Premier ministre du Manitoba. Il a également augmenté le financement du bureau de l'Éducation française et a rétabli le poste de sous-ministre adjoint, supprimé par les Conservateurs.

Le ministre responsable des Affaires francophones peut-il dire à la Chambre ce que fait ce gouvernement pour s'assurer que les francophones ont accès à des services en français au Manitoba en ce jour de la francophonie international? Translation Today is the International Day of the Francophonie. After years of cuts, Francophones final ly have a government that is committed to ensuring that their culture, their language and their rights are recognised and protected in this province. The first legislation passed by this government was to recognize Louis Riel as Manitoba's first Premier.

Our government also increased funding for the Bureau de l'éducation française and reinstated the position of assistant deputy minister, which had been removed by the Conservatives. Can the Minister responsible for Francophone Affairs tell the House what this government is doing to ensure

March 20, 2024 LEGISLATIVE ASSEMBLY OF MANITOBA 869 that Francophones have access to services in French in Manitoba on this International Day of the Francophonie? Hon. Glen Simard (Minister responsible for Francophone Affairs ): J'aimerais remercier mon collègue, le député de Saint -Boniface, pour cette question. Ça commence avec l'écoute. Translation I would like to thank my colleague, the MLA for St. Boniface, for this question. It starts with listening. English It starts with listening. Et c'est ça ce qu'on a–notr e gouvernement a fait. Nous avons rétabli le ADM chez le BÉF.

Nous allons continuer d'investir dans nos écoles. Juste aujourd'hui, le ministre de Justice a parlé de cinq choses que nous allons faire pour soulever les services en français dans les affaires juridiques. Nous allons continuer d'investir. Translation This is what our government has done. We reinstated the ADM position within the BEF (Bureau de l’éducation française), and we will continue to invest in our schools. Just today, the Minister of Justice (Mr. Wiebe) talked about five things we will be doing to increase French services in legal matters. We will continue to invest. English We will continue to invest.

Nous allons continuer d'écouter. Translation We will continue to listen. English We will continue to listen. Et j'aimerais utiliser les mots de mon collègue, le ministre infrastructure et transportation : « Where they didn't get it done, we will ». Translation And I would like to use here the words of my colleague, the Minister of Infra structure and Transpor tation: "Where they didn't get it done, we will." Night Hunting Practices Government Position Mr. Rick Wowchuk (Swan River): Yes, Honourable Speaker, the dangerous practice of night lighting is unsafe and unethical.

It eliminates fair chase and puts human lives, property and livestock at risk. What is the Minister of Economic Dev elopment and Natural Resources' stance on this dangerous practice? Hon. Jamie Moses (Minister of Economic Development, Investment, Trade and Natural Resources): Honourable Speaker, I just want to be clear: our gov ernment's top priority is around safety for all Manitobans. And I understand the rhetoric and the narrative that the member brings is a divisive one. That's the same narrative that they brought throughout the entire campaign–of a divisive one.

We want to talk about these issues, bringing Manitobans together. We don't want to pit people against each other. And that's the sort of unity we're going to bring when we're dealing with Manitobans from all walks of life. The Speaker: The honourable member for Swan River, on a supplementary question. Mr. Wowchuk: Will the minister confirm today if he will continue to support the enforcement of night light- ing to protect human lives, livestock and property? Mr. Moses: Honourable Speaker, we're about safety. We're about safety for Manitobans.

But let's look at their record when it came to dealing with natural resources here. They left conser- vation officers positions vacant right across the pro- vince, they cut the environmental inspectors right in half and they continue with their message of division for Manitobans, putting one Manitoban against the other in the Chamber today. We saw it all throughout the campaign. We took a different path, Manitobans took a path–different path–when they chose us in October to be the govern- ment. The Speaker: The honourable member for Swan River, on a final supplementary question.

870 LEGISLATIVE ASSEMBLY OF MANITOBA March 20, 2024 Mr. Wowchuk: Honourable Speaker, will this minister– I'll make this one simple. Will this minister support all measures presently in place to support existing legislation for this danger- ous practice of night lighting, yes or no? Mr. Moses: Honourable Speaker, I've been very clear that o ur priority is about safety for all Manitobans. We'll continue to do that every single day.

Instead of putting one Manitoban against another and using divisive rhetoric, the same rhetoric they used in the campaign, that they continue into the Chamber toda y, we want Manitobans to know that safety is top of our priority list, and we're going to build a Manitoban that works for all of us. The Speaker: The time for oral questions has expired. PETITIONS Removal of Federal Carbon Tax Mr. Wayne Ewasko (Lac du Bonnet): I wish to present the following petition to the Legislative Assembly. The background to this petition is as follows:

(1) The federal government has mandated a con- sumption-based carbon tax with the stated goal of financially pressuring Canadians to make decisions to reduce their carbon emissions.

(2) Manitoba Hydro estimates that, even with a high-efficiency furnace, the carbon tax is costing the average family over $200 annually, even more for those with older furnaces.

(3) Home heating in Manitoba is not a choice or a decision for Manitobans to make, it is a necessity of life, with an average of almost 200 days below 0°C annually.

(4) The federal government has selectively removed the carbon tax off of home heating oil in the Atlantic provinces of Canada but has indicated they have no intention to provide the same relief to Manitobans heating their homes.

(5) Manitoba Hydro indicates that natural gas heating is one of the most affordable options available to Manitobans, and it ca n be cost prohibitive for households to replace their heating source.

(6) Premiers across Canada, including in the Atlantic provinces that benefit from this decision, have collectively sent a letter to the federal government calling on it to extend the carbon tax exemption to all forms of home heating with the exception of Manitoba.

(7) Manitoba is one of the only prov incial juris- dictions to have not agreed with the stance that all Canadians' home heating bills should be exempt from the carbon tax.

(8) Provincial leadership in other juris dictions have already committed to removing the federal carbon tax from home heating bills. We petition the Legislative Assembly of Manitoba as follows: To urge the provincial government to remove the federal carbon tax on home heating bills for all Manitobans to provide them much-needed relief. This petition is signed by Barry Schmidtke, G.A. Corbett, John Niemczyk and many, many other fine Manitobans. The Speaker: Further petitions? ORDERS OF THE DAY GOVERNMENT BUSINESS Hon. Nahanni Fontaine (Government House Leader): I move, seconded by–oh, geez, sorry. Sorry.

Honourable Speaker, can you please call second reading of Bill 8, The Safe Access to Abortion Services Act; followed by the second reading of Bill 9, The Employment Standards Code Amendment Act. The Speaker: It has been announced that we will–that the gov ernment has called for second reading of Bill 8, the safe access to abortion act ; followed by debate on Bill 9, The Em ployment Standa rds Code Amendment Act. SECOND READINGS Bill 8–The Safe Access to Abortion Services Act Hon.

Nahanni Fontaine (Minister responsible for Women and Gender Equity): I move, seconded by the Minister of Health, that Bill 8, The Safe Access to Abortion Services Act, be now read a second time and be referred to a committee of this House. Miigwech. Motion presented. MLA Fontaine: In Canada and in Manitoba, govern- ments have a fundamental responsibility to citizens to ensure they have access to the services that they are lawfully entitled to.

March 20, 2024 LEGISLATIVE ASSEMBLY OF MANITOBA 871 * (15:10) Further, access to abortions is a matter of human rights. Gov ernments have an obligation to provide access to abortion services as part of their core human rights responsibilities to their citizens. In this light, Bill 8 ensures all Manitobans have the right to access abortion services as essential reproductive health services without fear of being intimidated or obstructed by anti-choice protesters. Honourable Speaker, this legis lation is far, far overdue. Several anti-choice groups operate in Manitoba.

I won't name them, but members of these groups typically identify sites for demonstrations. They sta - tion them selves outside the entrance to a clinic or health facility and target people who are there to access reproductive health services. The protesters, contrary to what they try to present, often use aggressive and sometimes violent actions to intimidate, shock and bully citizens who are trying to access abortion services.

This includes displaying graphic images, verbal harassment and getting in the way to block people from going through the doors and, at times, attempting to physically stop them from enter- ing and accessing health care. Anti-choice protesters have also resorted to the tactic of taking pictures of citizens entering or leaving a clinic. Photographing people accessing health care without their consent in these 'caeshes' is a patent violation of patient confidentiality.

Demonstrators have also targeted citizens who are accessing reproductive health ser vices on the mistaken assumption that they are accessing abortion services. For those citizens accessing and ex per- iencing dif ficulties with fertility, miscarriages and stillbirth, being bombarded with graphic images and insensitive comments can needlessly exacerbate their trauma.

And I cannot tell the House how many indivi - duals, how many Manitobans and certainly how many Canadians have approached me over the years to share their heartbreaking stories of trying to access health care and to be assaulted with such imagery from anti- choice, and the further trauma that it it contributed to them. No one should be subjected to inti midation or invasion of privacy based on their personal choice to access a safe and legal health service.

Bill 8 is intended to protect the safety and privacy of all citizens who seek abortion services and also those on the front lines who provide services and generally to safeguard the right of access to reproductive health services. I just want to take a quick moment to say miigwech to all of those that are on the front lines offering abortion services. Your care and attention and expertise is invaluable and so appreciated on this side of the House.

The proposed legis lation achieves this by esta - blishing a legislated injunction against protests in the form of automatic buffer zones around clinics whose primary purpose is to provide abortion services. Buffer zones will act as safety parameters that prohibit attempts to intimidate, persuade or harass people. Currently there are two sites where clinics would be entitled to an automatic buffer zone.

Other facilities, such as hospitals, pharmacies, doctors' offices and health-care facilities that provide surgical or medical abortion services will have the option of requesting a buffer zone by applying for a zone for their site through regulations. There are at least five health-care facilities in Winnipeg and Brandon that could potentially request a buffer zone through regula tions under Bill 8. Bill 8 further protects the people who work in clinics through the creation of an automatic buffer zone around their homes.

This is parti cularly impor- tant as extremist anti -abortion violence has been targeted against abortion service providers. It is well known that a Winnipeg abortion provider was shot in his home in 1997. The proposed bill also provides regula tory authority to prescribe buffer zones for the residences of other classes of persons who work in facilities that provide abortion services. The buffer zone will, i n effect, keep anti-choice protesters away from directly confronting citizens who are accessing clinics and facilities on site and from directly confronting the providers of abortion services at their homes.

Within a buffer zone, demonstrators will be prohibited from advertising or persuading or trying to persuade a person not to access abortion services. Protesters will be barred from informing or trying to inform persons about abortion issues or to express acts of disapproval related to abortion. Demonstrators will not be allowed to pester citizens about accessing abortion services or to demand providers stop provi - ding those health-care services. Protesters will not be permitted to monitor or physic ally interfere with anyone who is going in or out of a clinic or facility or

872 LEGISLATIVE ASSEMBLY OF MANITOBA March 20, 2024 to intimidate or try to intimidate them by –including making loud noises or to photograph, film or other - wise graphically record patients or providers. Finally, protesters will be prohibited from harassing providers through repeated unwanted communications by phone, fax or other electronic means. Prohibiting such behaviour within a buffer zone will have the benefit of safeguarding patients' health by reducing the real risks of complications resulting from anxiety and emotional distr ess that may result from the presence of protesters.

As well, the threat of anti- choice activities can deter clinicians from offering abortion services, which directly affects accessibility for Manitobans. By pro - tecting them from harassment and potential violence, access-zone legislation can support physicians in their decision to provide abortion services and help im - prove availability for their patients. Another benefit is that clinics and health -care facilities and the homes of service providers w ill be better protected against destruction and vandalism.

The zones will also reduce traffic problems and hazards around protected sites and reduce the risk of accidents. Prohibiting unneces sarily loud noises will help foster com munity peace by remov ing this from a neighbourhood's nuances. Finally, by sending a clear message that no person will be deprived of their legal right to access reproductive health services, Bill 8 can potentially reduce anti-choice violence and harassment by lower- ing the le vels and impact of aggressive anti -choice activism at clinics and facilities.

There is a strong legal precedent for legislation providing buffer zones to ensure access to abortion services, as this type of legislation already exists across the country in six provinces. British Columbia's law, which was the first in Canada, has been in place for almost 20 years. British Columbia's legislation, which is similar to Bill 8, has been thoroughly tested by legal challenges. A series of BC court rulings found that protecting access to abortion as a health service outweighs the infringe - ment of

section 2 of the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms, relating to freedom of religion, thought, belief and expression. Manitoba's proposed Safe Access to Abortion Services Act is modelled closely on other provinces' laws, particularly Ontario's legislation, which has also withstood Charter challenges and otherwise have not lent themselves to challenge. * (15:20) The Department of Families has consulted exten- sively with Constitu tional Law review branch of Legal Services throughout the dev elopment of Bill 8 to ensure the bill is workable, enforceable and justifiable.

I have already described the pressing need for this legislation as we see evidence of protests and harass- ment directly against citizens at clinics, and even outside of clinics if you're even just at a conference. Bill 8 is therefore fully justified in placing a reason- able limit on the right of freedom and expression in buffer zones. I would also note Bill 8, in focussing on pro- hibiting inti midation and harassment of –in buffer zones, impairs the Charter's right of freedom of expression as little as reasonably as possible.

To em - phasize this point, the proposed legis lation does not prohibit the right to protest against government policy on abortion. We are not infringing on the right to protest, except in buffer zones. I ap preciate that anti- choice protesters may be loud and disruptive in trying to get their point across. That is the whole point of protests, that they're trying to get public attention. Anti- choice activists will be free to protest outside of buffer zones.

They are wel - come to gather and take their anti -choice fight to the Legislative building as I have said many, many years, to express their views to the members of this House, which is where said protests should be directed, and not at citizens accessing health care. Anti-choice protesters are also free to engage in media campaigns to sway public support on the right to access abortion services, although polls have con- sistently shown the majority of the Canadian public are satisfied with the country's abortion policies.

That is their democratic right, and the exercise of their right to protest to change policy and l egislation is essential to the health and–healthy functioning of a democratic society. Manitobans have the right to access whatever health care they need and deem ap propriate for their own bodies. Bill 8 takes a reasonable approach in limiting the rig ht to freedom of expression in buffer zones. It ensures the protec tion of the rights of Manitobans to freely, respectfully and safely access

March 20, 2024 LEGISLATIVE ASSEMBLY OF MANITOBA 873 abortion services in confi dentiality, whether or not protesters agree with it. As I have said many times, Honourable Speaker, abortion is health care, and if there are citizens that don't agree with abortion, I would encourage them not to have one, but certainly not to infringe their own beliefs and views on the rights of other Manitobans. Miigwech. Questions The Speaker: A question period of up to 15 minutes will be held.

Questions may be addressed to the minis- ter by any op position or in dependent member in the following sequence: first question by the official opposition critic or designate; subsequent questions asked by critics or designates from other recognized opposition parties; subsequent questions asked by each independent member; remaining questions asked by any opposition member. And no question or answer shall exceed 45 seconds. The floor is now open for questions. Mrs.

Kathleen Cook (Roblin): Can the minister just outline, what are some of the penalties outlined in the bill for contravening the legis lation, and how does it compare to similar penalties in other jurisdictions? Hon. Nahanni Fontaine (Minister responsible for Women and G ender Equity): Miigwech for the question. For the first offence, penal ties can include a fine of up to $5,000 and up to six months imprisonment, or both. For a second or subsequent offence, penalties can include a fine of up to $10,000 or up to one year in prison, or both.

These penal ties are similar to those in place in BC, Alberta, Ontario, Nova Scotia, Newfoundland and Labrador. Mr. Wayne Balcaen (Brandon West): My question for the minister revolves around The Freedom of Information and Protec tion of Privacy Act of Manitoba and also of Canada. So, you speak about a buffer zone around a care provider's home. They would have to reveal their personal information, including their address, for that. How would we address this in legislation to make sure that their fundamental rights under The Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act is met?

MLA Fontaine: Miigwech to the member for the question. Certainly nobody on–in govern ment is going to be publicly disclosing the addresses of abortion pro- viders. That's the antithesis to what this bill would protect. And so I don't think that there's a concern of that, that this government will in any way, shape or form provide the addresses for abortion providers. Mr. Grant Jackson (Spruce Woods): I thank the minister for the question. I agree with her comments, certainly, that, you know, protesting at these types of facilities is not ap - propriate. In fact, I feel that way about all health-care facilities.

I have a parent in their 70s who I came home from being in here and found injured and had to take to the emergency room. Can't imagine having to push my way through a protest to get that parent the health care that they needed at that time, regardless of what the protest was about. So my question to the minister is, I agree that all protests–this is the place for them, here. Why would this legislation not be com prehensive and include all health-care facilities? MLA Fontaine: I think that we–and I appreciate the– what the member shared.

I think that we saw that –I believe that was, like, in September of 2021, I believe, or maybe it was September of 2020 when we saw protests in front of the HSC from anti -vaxxers protesters. And I –certainly, I think, most of us in this Chamber would agree that we shouldn't be protesting health-care facilities. And I think the federal gov ern- ment has an enacted legis lation that prohibits pro - testing in front of health-care facilities. Mrs. Cook: I wasn't clear in reading t he legislation. There was some variability in the size of the buffer zones between 50 and 150 metres.

So I just wondered if the minister could clarify which is it, or is it somewhere in between, or how that will be decided, and who will apply –like, if it 's in regulation, who's going to administer and apply those regulations. MLA Fontaine: I ap preciate the question from the member opposite. I think that that's a consequence of just the physical space of hospitals and clinics and abortion providers' homes. And so it will be a conse quence of what that physical space looks like and certainly will be laid out in regulations.

874 LEGISLATIVE ASSEMBLY OF MANITOBA March 20, 2024 Mr. Balcaen: My question goes on to a statement that the minister just made regarding buffer zones around hospitals. The minister stated that there may be federal legislation that speaks to protests around health- care facilities. My question is: Why would we need specific legislation if there's already –or, sorry –at the prov- incial level, when there's already legis lation at the federal level? MLA Fontaine: Miigwech for the question.

In 2022, amendments to Canada's Criminal Code created a specific offence related to intimidating and obstructing health-care workers and patients. They did not include several other protections that are embedded within provincial abortion access zone laws. The federal law does not establish buffer zones around clinics or the homes. These boundaries are needed to protect the safety, privacy and dignity of health-care providers and patients.

As well, the Criminal Code amend ments do not prohibit forms of harassment, such as attempting to influence acts of disapproval, photographing, filming and the assaulting imagery that we see specific ally from anti-choice protesters. So this bill is specifically in response to what we see– The Speaker: Minister's time has expired. Mr. Jackson: Thank the minister for her responses. She mentioned that Bill 8 is closely modelled on British Columbia, and then mentioned a few other provinces that have existing legislation as well.

Just wondering if she can give us some details on the cross-jurisdictional comparisons with those other provinces as well. * (15:30) MLA Fontaine: What I can share with the member– I appreciate the question –15 years after BC brought the first access-zone legislation into Canada, a survey of abortion service providers found that protest activity was reduced, and staff and patients alike felt less threatened by protesters. Similarly, a review of access -zone legislation in Atlantic Canada found that it had been successful.

In Newfoundland and Labrador, following the law's passage, protest activity moved away from clinics' main access point, and staff and patients reported being less fearful. So I think across Canada wh at we're seeing with similar legislation is that it really does create a space where patients and providers are less fearful to do their job or to access health care. Mrs. Cook: Could the minister indicate which groups she's consulted with in crafting this legislation? MLA Fontaine: Yes, I appreciate the question.

As I've shared in this House before, this is, you know, the sixth iteration of the bill that I've introduced since 2017. And in that time, over those many, many years, I've had the op portunity to meet with Klinic. I've had the op portunity to meet with the Women's Health Clinic. I've had the opportunity to meet with so many Manitobans that have ex perienced anti-choice protesters' acts as they've been accessing health care. And in some cases, as I've shared in this House, you know, I spoke with one individual who was leaving after a stillbirth and was actually harassed by anti-choice protesters.

And a lot of the bill has been informed by Manitobans who have experienced this– The Speaker: Time has expired. Mr. Balcaen: My question is in regards to consul ta- tion as well. And I'm wondering if the minister has a –has had a chance in her years since 2017 to consult with police–and I'm specifically wondering if you've had a chance to consult with Chief Smyth here in Winnipeg, where the clinics will be in hospital, and Acting Chief Lewis in Brandon, where the Brandon Regional Health Centre is that also performs these duties.

MLA Fontaine: Certainly, over the years I've had many conversations–even well beyond 2017–many conversa- tions with members of different policing institutions in respect of some of the things that we have found as activists trying to protect the right to access abortion care unobstructed and unfettered. Again, I want to stress that the consultation, or the discussions that I've had in respect of this bill, have really been informed by those that are on the front lines and those that have been impacted in some way, shape or form trying to access abortion services or health care in general. Mr.

Jackson: Recently, there was a–if you follow such things–a decision, or an edict, I guess, from the Pope, whatever the proper terminology is, about

March 20, 2024 LEGISLATIVE ASSEMBLY OF MANITOBA 875 fertility treatments for parents, which was concerning, I think, to many. And so just a question to the minister: Does this apply to fertility clinics as well? Did I miss that in the legislation, if it does? MLA Fontaine: I ap preciate that question, and I actually don't have an answer. I will certainly look into that. I think that that's actually pretty reasonable to look into, consid ering also where we're going, in respect of some folks in the US kind of influencing some of the rhetoric here in Canada.

But I certainly will look into that and get back to the member. The Speaker: No further questions? Debate The Speaker: The floor is open for debate. Mrs. Kathleen Cook (Roblin): I want to say some - thing immediately on this bill before I get into my critique of the bill itself. Obviously and unequivocally , abortion services are health-care services. I will not be misquoted on that point; I will not have my words twisted by members opposite. On this point, the Minister of Families (MLA Fontaine) and I agree. The issues I have with this bill are primarily issues with how the NDP gov ernment is failing to govern.

Instead of bringing forward a bill that would protect access to medical services for all Manitoba patients, they choose to try and create more and more division amongst Manitobans. They are choosing one type of demonstration and deciding that that shouldn't happen in front of a health-care facility, and ignoring the many other types of demonstrations that also impede access to health - care facilities. I will be proposing an amendment to this bill that I expect would have all -party support.

We're talking about access to health -care facilities; we're talking about the safety of Manitoba patients and the safety of Manitoba health-care staff. And, yes, of course, that should apply to a woman going to access reproductive health care at an abortion clinic, but it should also apply to a cancer patient or a sick kid walking into the Children's Hospital. It should apply to a nurse walking into a shift at The Pas. It should apply to a doctor clocking in for surgery at Concordia, or a health-care aide walking into a PCH.

It is clear by the existence of this bill that the federal Criminal Code amendments referenced earlier by the minister are not all -encompassing. And we should not pick winners and losers when it comes to the safety of those who want to access the health-care resources they need and deserve. We should be protecting access to all health-care facilities for the pro tection of all Manitoba patients and staff. This is not about politics; this is about patients and staff. The NDP's playbook might call for putting poli - tics over Manitoba patients, but I disagree. Access to health care is a fundamental Canadian right.

My amendment will achieve the minister's goals to protect the sites explicitly listed in the bill, but it will also ensure all Manitoba patients and all Manitoba health -care staff have a right to access health-care facilities unimpeded. We can work together to accom plish those goals if the minister chooses to accept this amend ment. If the NDP refuse to support this amend ment, then I would suggest that for them, the intent of Bill 8 is to engage in wedge politics and limit only the protests that they disagree with. I look forward to all -party support. Thank you, Honourable Speaker. Hon.

Lisa Naylor (Minister of Consumer Protection and Government Services): I am so grateful to have an opportunity to speak on Bill 8, The Safe Access to Abortion Services Act, and I'm so grateful to the Minister of Families for bringing this bill forward again and again and again and again over the last few years. Keeping abortion health- care services free from harassment and interference is something that is very close to my heart. Before abortion procedures were decriminalized in 1988, I volunteered as a clinic escort at the Toronto Morgentaler Clinic.

As a young woman, I spent many Saturday mornings meeting patients, sometimes on a sidewalk, sometimes at a nearby safe house, to walk them through throngs of loud, angry protesters who were saying and doing despicable things in order to prevent women from accessing health care. When I wasn't on a scheduled volunteer shift, I was often called on to join teams of volunteers to literally defend the clinic so that procedures could safely proceed.

876 LEGISLATIVE ASSEMBLY OF MANITOBA March 20, 2024 Our bodies were the buffer zone between bus - loads of protesters, sometimes bused across the border from Buffalo, sometimes bused in from nearby Catholic schools as teenagers were brought in as part of their so-called education to prevent women from accessing necessary health care. A few years before I became a volunteer, the Toronto Morgentaler Clinic was bombed, shutting down services for a period of time and also closing down the bookstore that was located in the same building.

Later, a few years after abortion was decriminal- ized, the clinic was bombed again, this time levelling it to the ground and threatening many neighbouring businesses and homes. It was clear to me, even as a young woman, that anti -abortion, anti-choice people who don't care about women's health will stop at nothing. * (15:40) After moving to Manitoba in 1999, I was soon hired at Women's Health Clinic, where I served in a variety of counselling and health-education roles over two decades. At times, I provided pre- and post-abortion counselling. I also provided reproductive health education.

Over the years, I observed many protesters who would interfere with people's right to choose their own health care and would interfere with people's right to choose when and if to have children. I walked through those protesters just to go to work at our Teen Clinic on Thursday afternoons, which was their favourite time to protest.

On Thursdays, during our Teen Clinic, when teens came to access care for anything: a sore throat, an STI, an eating disorder or, yes, an unplanned pregnancy that they needed help to make a decision on, they would be met with protesters who shamed and attempted to provide erroneous health- care informa- tion to them, regardless of their reasons to be at – visiting the clinic. Likewise, when women arrived for prenatal care or parenting support in our mothers program, they were greeted with the same harassment.

Honourable Speaker, while not every protester is physically violent, their words and images were often violent, and of course we all know that there are seriously violent actions taken by those who would fight against abortion rights. My friend Lori Johnson was the past director of the Winnipeg Morgentaler Clinic, and at the time that she had three yo ung children, protesters didn't just protest at the clinic, they went to her home and they went to her children's school and they did it multiple times. In 1994, Dr. Garson Romalis, a Vancouver physi- cian, was shot and survived, only to be stabbed six years later.

Both incidents were committed by an anti- abortion perpetrator. In 1995, Dr. Hugh Short, a doctor providing abor- tion health care near Hamilton, Ontario, was shot by an anti-abortion perpetrator. And in 1997, as the Minister of Families (MLA Fontaine) already mention, Dr. Jack Fainman, then head of obstetrics and gynecology at Victoria Hospital, was shot by someone who believed he should not provide abortion care. All of these attacks were career ending for those esteemed medical professionals. It is clear to me that those who would stop someone from accessing abor - tion health care will stop at nothing.

Some who gather outside a clinic to harass patients may taunt. They may hold up graphic, inaccurate scientific images and some may even claim to be praying, but others among them will stab, shoot or do whatever they believe they need to do to stop those with uteruses from getting the health care they need and deserve. When members on the other side of the House, like the previous Health minister, the member for Steinbach (Mr. Goertzen), attended and spoke at anti- choice rallies, that was the company he was keeping. I will always stand on the side of those seeking abortion care for any reason.

I have personally provided pre- and post -procedure counselling even to those who have fought against their own right to have the procedure. Yes, you heard that right: Even those who stand and obstruct abortion clinics sometimes seek abortion services. Care providers will always continue to act in the best interest of patients, even when put at risk by those seeking to inter fere with health care. These care providers, along with their patients, must be kept safe and free of harassment in their workplace. So I am very grateful to the Minister of Families for, once again, introducing this very im portant bill.

Our NDP government unequivocally believes that all Manitobans seeking abortion have the right to bodily

March 20, 2024 LEGISLATIVE ASSEMBLY OF MANITOBA 877 autonomy and good health care. They have the right to seek this free from harassment. Aborti on is health care, and it is our right and access to this health- care right must be protected. This bill will ensure that people seeking an abortion and the health professionals who offer these services will be free from undue harassment. All Manitobans deserve safe access to reproductive health care, safe from intimidation. Thank you, Honourable Speaker. The Speaker: No other members rising for debate, is the House ready for the question? Some Honourable Members: Yes.

The Speaker: The honour able member for – [interjection]– question before the House is se cond reading of Bill 8, The Safe Access to Abortion Services Act. Shall the motion pass? Is it the pleasure of the House to adopt the motion? [Agreed] Bill 9–The Employment Standards Code Amendment Act The Speaker: We will now move to second reading of Bill 9, The Em ployment Standards Code Amendment Act. Hon.

Malaya Marcelino (Minister of Labour and Immigration): I move, seconded by the Minister of Families (MLA Fontaine), that Bill 9, The Employment Standards Code Amendment Act; Loi modifiant le Code des normes d'emploi, be now read a second time and be referred to a committee of this House. Motion presented. MLA Marcelino: It is my pleasure to rise and speak to Bill 9, an amendment to the Employment Standards Code to extend the length of the l ong-term leave for serious illness and injury from 17 weeks to 27 weeks.

In 2022, the federal government made changes to employment insurance and the federal labour legis - lation as part of broader EI reform. These changes increased EI sickness benefi ts from 15 to 26 weeks and the maximum length of unpaid medical leave from 17 to 27 weeks for federally regulated em - ployees under the Canada Labour Code. Long-term leave for serious injury or illness is currently a 17-week unpaid leave in Manitoba.

So, to qualify, an employee must be employed by the same employer for at least 90 days, and as a result, Manitoba workers are currently not able to access enough unpaid protected leave from their jobs to receive the full extended EI benefits. This bill seeks to align Manitoba with the federal EI sickness benefit period of 27 weeks. The Labour Management Review Committee, or LMRC, recom - mended government to do this in February 2023. Our government has made a commitment to treat all workers with dignity and respect.

Our government also values the input of trusted Manitobans, and both the employer and labour com munities, as well as the Canadian Cancer Society, support this extension to align with full extended EI sickness benefits. Manitobans should have the supports they need while recovering from an illness or injury. In this amendment, the Em ployment Standards Code will protect the jobs of Manitobans and ensure workers have the time and flexibility needed for treatment and recovery. Our government has made a commitment to protect jobs and to always stand up for the rights of working people.

This amendment to the code does just that. * (15:50) Mr. Tyler Blashko, Deputy Speaker, in the Chair Thank you, Deputy Speaker–Honourable Deputy Speaker, for the opportunity to speak to this bill. Questions The Deputy Speaker: A question period of up to 15 minutes will be held.

Questions may be addressed to the minister by any op position or in dependent member in the following sequence: fi rst question by the official opposition critic or designate; subsequent questions asked by critics or designates from other recognized opposition parties; subsequent questions asked by each independent member; remaining questions asked by any opposition members. And no question or answer shall exceed 45 seconds. Ms.

Jodie Byram (Agassiz): I just want to ask the Minister of Labour and Immigration (MLA Marcelino): New Brunswick undertook a lengthy review and con- sultation period, engaging the public on ques tions including whether the department should maintain the status quo or make amend ments. Can the minister share what was done in Manitoba to engage the public on the change of this legislation? Hon. Malaya Marcelino (Minister of Labour and Immigration): To this point, the department engaged in a–speaking to the Public Service Commission here to find out what was going to be the impact for the

878 LEGISLATIVE ASSEMBLY OF MANITOBA March 20, 2024 different government employees and for the Province for how this would relate to staffing issues that might arise. This was also discussed with the Canadian Cancer Society, and this was also done with a review with the Labour Management Review Committee, and they were able to present to the gov ernment of the time to go forward with these em ployment standards amendments. Thank you. Mr. Obby Khan (Fort Whyte): Can the minister please clarify when she said that they consulted with labour and businesses, which businesses did they–did she specifically consult with?

MLA Marcelino: The con sultations were with the Labour Manage ment Review Com mittee. Their recommendations were made in February 2023. I was not the minister of Labour at that time. It was given to the previous minister of Labour under the PC govern- ment, and the recom mendations were made by the Labour Management Review Committee and the com- position of those members at that time. I did check in with the folks currently, and their

Document details

Collection	Manitoba — Debates (Hansard)
Citation	43-1-33
Type	hansard
Volume / chapter	43rd 1st hansardpdf 33.pdf
Language	en
Format	pdf
Source	PROVINCIAL
Identifier	f1ad0a6ba11bfd79c110c20d314bfd225769abb7

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